Hardwood and Humidity in Chilliwack, BC

Seasonal Weather and Hardwood Floors

Wood flooring is a natural produce that expands and contracts in its response to humidity variations. During dry weather, the hardwood contracts. During humid summers, the hardwood expands. One of the best ways to reduce this movement is to install humidity controls. Be sure to check the humidity levels year-round.

Winter and Wood Flooring

In winter, the home is heated and the air is dry. As a result, wood flooring gives up a bit of its moisture and contracts. Gaps may appear between the boards when this happens. To prevent these separations, bring a humidifier into the rooms or install a humidifier in the furnace. The optimal humidity levels for hardwood floors is in the 45 to 60 percent range. As long as humidity levels don’t go below 45 percent, there will be no gaps.

Summer and Wood Flooring

Indoor humidity levels can go up to 90 percent during warm and humid summers. The result is that the hardwood floors can expand and cause the wood flooring to cup. With cupping, the edges of the plank will be higher than the center. And if the humidity level rises to over 65 percent, increased pressure can cause the planks to crack. To prevent this from happening, run a dehumidifier or keep the air conditioner on. It's important to realized that hardwood flooring manufactured from exotic wood species is a bit more demanding than domestic wood flooring. Indoor air humidity levels should range from 50 to 70 percent.

All around, installing hardwoods is an investment in your home’s value and decorating appeal. It’s a classic look that is timeless. Of course, you want your wood flooring to last for many, many years. Keeping the proper humidity levels in your home is a surefire way to keep your floors in good shape.